Water Quality

In adherence to Colorado's regulations, the Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program protects the public water system from cross-connection contamination by requiring customers to:

What is backflow, cross-connection and back-siphonage?

They all mean the same thing - used water that has already left your water pipes and is reintroduced into your home's water system. Backflow is caused by a drop in water pressure (i.e., while fire fighters battle a blaze or while crews are repairing a water main). A Backflow Preventer is a mechanical device that acts as a check valve to prevent used water from re-entering and potentially contaminating your drinking water.

How do I prevent this from happening?

Install containment assemblies (also known as backflow prevention assemblies, dual check valves (residential) containment devices or backflow prevention devices) on the following water service lines:

Residential property water service lines (dual check valves)

Dedicated irrigation lines (testable devices that comply with the uniform building code)

Test containment assemblies after initial installation and annually thereafter to make sure they are functioning properly.

Submit completed test reports.

Flouride

Addition of fluoride to drinking water supplies is recommended by Centers for Disease Control, HHS, and the American Dental Association to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in children. It was recognized by the CDC as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

The American Dental Association has recommended concentration of fluoride from a range of 0.7–1.2 mg/L. The Tabernash Meadows Water and Sanitation District maintains fluoride levels within this range.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound. It enters the water when fluoride-rich minerals in soils and rock dissolve.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has issued the following policy statement: “Fluoridation of public water supplies is a safe, economical, and effective measure to prevent dental caries” (tooth decay).

Since 1950, the American Dental Association (ADA), along with the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), has continuously and unreservedly endorsed the optimal fluoridation of community water supplies as a safe and effective public health measure for the prevention of dental decay.

The ADA’s policy on fluoridation is based on its continuing evaluation of the scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of fluoride. It continues to reaffirm its position of support for water fluoridation and has strongly urged that its benefits be extended to communities served by public water systems.

Today, fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and to improve oral health over a lifetime.

Hardness

Hardness in water is usually observed by its ability to form scale and make suds with soaps and detergents. If your water leaves deposits in sinks and tubs, then it is moderately hard to hard. Water hardness varies across the country and around the world. The earth's terrain is rich in mineral content. Subterranean and surface waters absorb some of these minerals. Absorbed minerals include compounds of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates and chlorides. These naturally occurring minerals give water its hardness.

Hardness in water is defined as the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations, expressed as calcium carbonate. The hardness of the water varies with the amounts of these salts. It is no longer an issue with laundry since most modern detergents contain water softeners.

The Districts drinking water hardness varies slighlty, but is between 150-190 mg/L as calcium carbonate.

FAQ-

Homeowner Responsibility

Tabernash Meadows WSD is responsible for maintaining and replacing water mains throughout its service area, while property owners are responsible for the service lines and meters at their service address.

Water damage can cost you

Water damage may or may not be covered separately from a typical homeowner’s insurance policy. To verify whether water damage is covered in your policy, contact your insurance agent. Tabernash Meadows WSD is not responsible for water damage caused by a property’s service line or internal plumbing.